Livestock and Other Judging
This project teaches you to select and evaluate livestock, give oral reasons and place classes of livestock. Evaluation of livestock is an exciting and thought-provoking experience. The ultimate goal of livestock judging is to compare your perception of an animal against the ideal and then to contrast your opinion with another individual or group.
It may take three years to complete a level. You must complete a minimum of seven activities and five learning experiences each year to complete this project.
Projects to learn
Independent study is for any youth looking for new challenges and opportunities in 4-H. This allows a member to explore topics that have not been investigated while remaining enrolled in a 4-H project. Members enrolling in the independent study phase of a project should
- develop a detailed learning plan for their work
- identify an area of interest within the project area
- set goals and locate resources (people, publications, materials) to carry out a project plan
- determine specific experiences needed to accomplish project goals,
- set a realistic timeline for completion
- carry out the project learning plan,
- share experiences with others
- evaluate outcomes and determine what could be improved.
PROJECT REQUIREMENTS
The individualized learning plan should be approved by a parent, 4-H adult volunteer leader or 4-H agent. For assistance in developing a personal learning contract, use Design Your Own project materials or other goal-setting materials. While independent study provides flexibility and creativity, it also requires serious planning, implementation and evaluation.
Materials you'll need
M You Decide, 5314
L Helping Them Decide, 5315
M South Dakota State University Livestock Judging Manual, 4HDL26
M Judging Beef Cattle and Oral Reasons 101, 4HDL27
M Judging Meat Goats and Oral Reasons 101, 4HDL28
M Judging Swine and Oral Reasons 101, 4HDL29
M Judging Sheep and Oral Reasons 101, 4HDL30
M Livestock Quality Assurance for Youth Producers, 5300
M 4-H Livestock Sales, 5310
M What's in my Water? Assessing Water Suitability for Livestock Participant's Guide, 5360
M What's in my Water? Assessing Water Suitability for Livestock Facilitator's Guide, 5361
For more Livestock Judging Materials
Animal Record book
To complete a project, you'll need to have an animal record book sheet filled out and signed by a program leader. Record books focus on reflecting on what you did and learned, along with keeping track of finances spent taking care of and selling an animal.
Careers in Livestock and Other Judging
If you are wanting to explore careers in livestock and other judging, below are some of the potential routes you can take. 4-H members interested in going to college can also visit the 4-H foundation website for scholarships in their county or reservation.
